Impeachment Likely Against Justice Yashwant Varma Following In-House Probe by Supreme Court Panel

In a significant development, the Central Government is likely to move an impeachment motion in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament against Justice Yashwant Varma, a former judge of the Delhi High Court, following serious findings by a Supreme Court-appointed in-house inquiry panel.

On May 3, the three-member panel found merit in allegations related to the discovery of wads of cash at Justice Varma’s official residence after a fire broke out on March 14. The inquiry committee, constituted by Chief Justice of India on March 22, comprised Chief Justices of Punjab & Haryana and Himachal Pradesh High Courts, and a judge from Karnataka High Court.

Despite being asked to resign, Justice Varma reportedly refused. He was transferred to the Allahabad High Court on March 20 and took oath on April 5 but has not been assigned any judicial work since.

The inquiry report, along with a recommendation to initiate impeachment, was forwarded by then CJI Sanjiv Khanna to the President and Prime Minister. Sources confirm that the matter has now been referred to the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker.

For impeachment to proceed, the motion must be signed by at least 100 MPs in Lok Sabha or 50 MPs in Rajya Sabha. It must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, and must also represent over 50% of the total House strength in both chambers.

The Monsoon Session is expected to begin in the third week of July. Consensus-building among parties is likely to begin soon, but the Congress has not yet been approached.

The Supreme Court has denied a Right to Information request seeking access to the panel’s report